Bounce (2000, Ben Affleck, Gwyneth Paltrow) – Classic Film Review 1091

Writer-director Don Roos’s likeable 2000 romantic drama stars Ben Affleck as Buddy, a businessman waiting for his delayed aircraft at Chicago’s O’Hare airport. At the last minute he switches plane tickets with fellow passenger Greg (Tony Goldwyn), a man who is desperate to see his sons, Scott (Alex D. Linz) and Joey (David Dorfman). Buddy gets himself bumped, so Greg won’t miss a vital activity with his older son.

It’s supposed to be an act of unselfish kindness, but then there’s a terrible accident and Goldwyn promptly dies in an air crash. And Affleck, wracked with guilt, falls apart. But, after going through rehab, he decides he needs to check on Greg’s widow Abby, Gwyneth Paltrow. He goes on to fall in love with Abby, but he doesn’t tell her the crucial story about the plane tickets.

It’s an old, old story, but it’s enjoyably done here. And it’s certainly in capable hands with then real-life sweethearts Affleck and Paltrow, who show good chemistry together and put some bounce into it.

Bounce may be a little soppy but it’s quite cute enough, and the stars and director provide the needed warmth, charm and appeal.

(C) Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Film Review 1091 derekwinnert.com